New Co-op, Experiential Learning and Career Centre connects students with opportunities
From exploring career options to gaining hands-on experience, Concordia students now have a more connected path from the classroom to the workplace with the launch of the Co-op, Experiential Learning and Career Centre.
The new centre brings together career development, co-op and experiential learning services, including the former Institute for Co-operative Education, Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) and Experiential Learning.
Together, these services create a more connected approach to career development and workplace learning, helping students explore career possibilities, prepare for employment, gain experience and prepare for what’s next.
“Throughout its history, Concordia has integrated ‘learning by doing’ opportunities into our academic programs, and this approach is more important than ever in today’s rapidly changing economy,” says Graham Carr, Concordia’s president and vice-chancellor.
“Bringing career development, co-op and experiential learning together will streamline opportunities for students to connect what they learn in the classroom with the skills, know-how and networks they need to thrive after graduation.”
A clear point of connection
The centre will provide students with access to career planning, résumé and interview support, job searches, mentorship, co-op programs, internships and other hands-on learning opportunities.
Co-op students will continue to receive dedicated support throughout their co-op journey, while a stronger employer-engagement team will work to expand opportunities for students across co-op, internships, Career Edge, part-time and full-time employment, and other experiential learning initiatives.
While the services are coming together under one centre, students and employers will continue to connect with the same teams and services. The goal is to make it easier to get the support and responses they need.
“By bringing these services together, we can create a more seamless experience for students, from academic support and career planning to co-op and experiential learning,” says Julie Foisy, director of Student Success and Retention.
“We want to help students discover opportunities, build skills and gain the experience they need to move confidently from their studies into the world of work. It also gives us an exciting opportunity to deepen our partnerships with employers.”
For employers, the centre offers a clearer point of connection to Concordia’s diverse and talented student community. A dedicated employer-engagement team will build partnerships and connect organizations with students across a range of opportunities, from co-op and internships to part-time and full-time employment and experiential learning projects.
The centre builds on Concordia’s 2022 commitment to ensuring that every undergraduate student has access to meaningful, hands-on experiential learning opportunities during their degree, helping students develop the skills, experience and professional networks they need to prepare for their careers.
Learn more about the new Centre
Students: Explore career planning, co-op, experiential learning and other opportunities through the Co-op, Experiential Learning and Career Centre.
Employers: Discover ways to connect with Concordia students, recruit emerging talent and create meaningful experiential learning opportunities.